Tax season is underway, and for many North Texans the big question isn’t just what they owe — it’s when their refund will hit.
The IRS expects about 164 million returns to be filed by the April 15 deadline, and refunds this year could be larger than in 2025. Last month, the White House said refunds are expected to rise “by $1,000 or more,” and the nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimates the average refund could be about $3,800, up from $3,052 for the 2024 tax year.
How fast you get your money depends on a few factors. Here’s what you need to know.
Why do we get tax refunds?
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A tax refund is the difference between what you paid to the IRS during the year — through paycheck withholding or estimated quarterly payments for self-employed workers — and what you actually owed when you filed your return, said James Hamill, professor of accounting at Southern Methodist University.
A 1040 tax form printed from the Internal Revenue Service web page is seen, Feb. 13, 2019, in Zelienople, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
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People often overpay because it’s hard to predict a final tax bill or they want to avoid underpayment penalties. Some deliberately have extra withheld from each paycheck because they prefer a bigger refund — even though what you’re getting back effectively amounts to “an interest-free loan from the government,” Hamill noted.
Depending on where you live, you might receive a refund from both the federal government and the state. Texas is one of nine states without a state income tax, so North Texans who get a refund will, for the most part, see one check from the federal government, said Peggy Jimenez, clinical assistant professor of accounting at the University of North Texas.
How long does it take to get your tax refund?
If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, most refunds arrive within 21 days. If you are e-filing but elected for a check in the mail, your refund may take a little longer to arrive. If you’re filing by paper, returns take typically at least six weeks or more, both Hamill and Jimenez said.
A sign outside the Internal Revenue Service building is seen, May 4, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
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While the filing deadline is April 15, you can start filing your taxes now, as of Jan. 26, the IRS announced last month. The sooner you file the more quickly you’ll get your refund, both Hamill and Jimenez said.
What factors can delay a return?
Refunds can take longer if the IRS has to take a closer look at your return, whether it’s due to mismatched information — such as an incorrect Social Security number — or deductions that require verification.
Returns claiming credits affected by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (or PATH) Act, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit, will be delayed since these two credits aren’t legally available until March 2, Jimenez said.
“It’s not that much of a delay,” Jimenez noted. “But it’s good to be aware, even if you have already filed your tax return, that you might have to wait until March to get that refund because the IRS has to verify eligibility.”
Where can I track my refund?
North Texans can track the status of their federal refund using the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund?” tool, the IRS2Go mobile app or their IRS online account for individuals.
Jimenez said it’s also important to watch your mailbox. The tax agency still sends notices by mail if there’s an issue with a return.
“Even if you’ve elected for direct deposit,” she said, “still pay attention to anything coming from the government.”